TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy) Monitoring Profile

This test measures the amount of testosterone that is not bound to proteins in the blood and is available to act on tissues. Free testosterone is a key indicator of hormone activity and plays a crucial role in evaluating conditions related to low testosterone and monitoring TRT effectiveness.

A form of estrogen that is important to monitor during TRT, as elevated levels can result from testosterone converting to estrogen. Measuring estradiol helps detect imbalances that may lead to side effects like mood changes, water retention, or gynecomastia.

Monitor hematocrit/hemoglobin for polycythemia

Testosterone, oestrogen and dihydrotestosterone are all bound to sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) which means that they are unavailable to your cells. Measuring the levels of SHBG in the blood gives important information about your levels of free or unbound hormones which are biologically active and available for use.

Luteinising Hormone (LH) is produced by the pituitary gland and is important for male and female fertility. In women it governs the menstrual cycle, peaking before ovulation. In men it stimulates the production of testosterone.

Raised LH in women can signal that you are not ovulating, that you are menopausal or that your hormones are not in balance (as with polycystic ovaries).

Raised LH in men can signal that the testes are not producing enough testosterone.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone is produced in the pituitary gland and is important for women in the production of eggs by the ovaries and for men in the production of sperm. Levels of FSH rise in women as egg production declines, therefore raised FSH often coincides with the onset of the menopause and is a measure of ovarian reserve.

Elevated FSH in women indicates reduced egg supply whereas low levels can signal that you are not ovulating or are pregnant.

Levels of FSH in men rise with age, but can also indicate testicular damage and reduced sperm production. Low levels of FSH are detected when men are not producing sperm

Prolactin is a hormone which is made in the pituitary gland and plays a role in reproductive health. Its main purpose is to stimulate milk production after birth and in pregnant and breastfeeding women prolactin levels will soar.

Raised levels in a woman who is neither pregnant or breastfeeding can signal fertility problems as well as irregular periods.

Higher levels in men can cause reduced sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and lack of energy and fertility problems.

This test measures the level of PSA (prostate specific antigen) in the blood.

A cortisol test is done to measure the level of the hormone cortisol in the blood, which may indicate problems with the adrenal glands or pituitary gland

Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that’s in everyone’s blood and stool. Sometimes the liver can’t process the bilirubin in the body. This can be due to an excess of bilirubin, an obstruction, or inflammation of the liver. When your body has too much bilirubin, In both adults and children, symptoms related to high bilirubin can involve jaundice, a yellowing of the skin or eyes, fatigue, itchy skin, dark urine, and low appetite.

An alkaline phosphatase level test (ALP test) measures the amount of alkaline phosphatase enzyme in your bloodstream

Alanine transferase (ALT) is an enzyme which is produced by the liver and can indicate liver damage caused by alcohol, drugs or viruses (hepatitis). Small amounts of ALT are normal, but raised levels may indicate that your liver is inflamed.

Elevated levels of ALT can also be caused by recent vigorous exercise.

Creatine kinase (CK) is an enzyme chiefly found in the brain, skeletal muscles, and heart. An elevated level of creatine kinase is seen in heart attacks, when the heart muscle is damaged, or in conditions that produce damage to the skeletal muscles or brain.

The level of Creatine Kinase in the blood is measured to assess muscle damage – it can rise very quickly after muscle trauma, but will begin to lower as the damage is repaired. If Creatine Kinase continues to rise it indicates that muscle damage is not being repaired.

Gamma-glytamyl transpeptidase (GGT) is an enzyme which is found in hepatocytes and biliary epithelial cells. GGT may be high in liver disease. Gamma GT is also used to diagnose alcohol abuse as it is raised in 75% of long term drinkers.

Urea is a waste product it is produced as your body digests protein and is carried by the blood to your kidneys, which filter the urea out of the blood and into urine.
This test looks at how well your kidneys are functioning.

High urea levels suggest poor kidney function. This may be due to acute or chronic kidney disease. However, there are many things besides kidney disease that can affect urea levels such as stress, recent heart attack or severe burns; bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract; conditions that cause obstruction of urine flow or dehydration.

Low urea levels are not common and are not usually a cause for concern. They can be with low protein diets, excess hydration malnutrition or liver failure. Low urea levels are also seen in normal pregnancy.

Creatinine is a chemical byproduct molecule generated from muscle metabolism.
Measuring Creatinine is an accurate marker of your kidney function.

Higher than usual levels of Creatinine can be caused by a high intake of Creatinine supplements, animal protein and vigorous exercise however it can also mean that your kidneys are not functioning properly.

Lower Creatinine levels can usually be caused by a reduction in muscle mass, low protein diet. It can also be an indication that your kidneys are not functioning correctly.

Sodium is an electrolyte and a mineral. Sodium regulates the water and electrolyte balance of your body it is important in the operation of nerves and muscles. Sodium levels in your blood are regulated by your kidneys.

Excessive amounts of sodium found in your blood are often caused by dehydration however it can also indicate that your kidneys are not functioning properly.

Much lower sodium levels are caused by fluid retention or it can also be low due to vomiting, excessive sweating or diarrhea.

The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) assesses how well the kidneys are working by estimating the amount of blood filtered through the kidneys. The glomeruli are tiny filters in the kidneys responsible for removing waste products. If these filters do not do their job properly, kidney function can be impaired. The eGFR calculation is an estimate of actual glomerular filtration rate, calculated using your age, gender, ethnicity, and serum creatinine levels.

Cholesterol is a waxy substance which is made in the body by the liver but is also found in some foods. It plays a vital role in how every cell works and is also needed to make Vitamin D, some hormones and bile for digestion. However, too much cholesterol in the blood can increase your risk of getting heart and circulatory diseases.

Cholesterol is made up of both good (HDL) and bad (LDL) cholesterol so it is important to investigate a raised cholesterol result to determine the cause. High levels of HDL cholesterol can cause a raised cholesterol result but may actually be protective against heart disease.

Low density lipoprotein (LDL) transports cholesterol, triglycerides and other fats to various tissues throughout the body. Too much low density lipoprotein cholesterol, known as bad cholesterol can cause fatty deposits to accumulate on artery walls, which can potentially lead to a heart disease and artherosclerosis.

High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol removes cholesterol from the bloodstream and carries it to the liver where it is broken down and removed from the body in bile. High density lipoprotein is a good cholesterol.

Higher levels are believed to be protective against heart disease, while low levels are associated with increased risk of a heart attack.

Triglycerides are form of dietary fat that circulate in the blood. After eating your body will convert excess calories into triglycerides which are then carried to cells to be stored as fat. The triglycerides are released to be used as energy.

Raised levels of triglycerides are a potential risk factor for peripheral vascular disease which effects the blood vessels which supply your arms and legs as well as organs below the stomach as well as microvascular disease, affecting the tiny blood vessels around the heart.